'Palestine Solidarity Week not compulsory in Sarawak schools'

 

It is not compulsory for schools in Sarawak to observe the "Palestine Solidarity Week", state Pakatan Harapan chairperson said.

According to Chong Chieng Jen, he has confirmed with Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying on the matter.

"The circular by the Education Ministry to observe solidarity week for Palestine and direct all schools in the country to do programmes in support of Palestine has caused great concerns among all sectors in Sarawak.

"It is Sarawak DAP's stand that the Education Ministry should not involve school students in the international political conflict of Palestine and Israel, as it is a very emotive and complicated issue, which is often associated with anger and hatred," Chong (above), who is also Sarawak DAP chairperson, said in a statement last night.

As such, young children should not be involved in the issue while they are still studying, he added.

Yesterday, the Education Ministry said the Palestine Solidarity Week in schools, to be observed from Oct 29 to Nov 3, will teach students about humanitarian values and to practise empathy.

Several lawmakers have raised objections to Putrajaya's decision to support the cause, saying schools should be neutral spaces for learning, growth, and understanding.

Earlier this week, a collective of NGOs also objected to the ministry's proposal, urging the government to keep international conflicts, religious disputes, and war cries out of schools and educational institutions.

Consult stakeholders

Elaborating, Chong said in a recent dialogue between the education minister and government MPs in Parliament, Sarawak DAP lawmakers have voiced their concerns and objections regarding the programmes being held in schools in the state.

"While we all are against the atrocity of war and wish for peace, we do not want our children to get emotionally involved in the Palestine/Israel conflicts at such a young stage.

"As it is now made clear that the programme is not compulsory for schools in Sarawak, I hope the management of the schools in Sarawak will not feel compelled by the directive to organise such a programme."

Last night, Borneo Post quoted Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah as saying that the Education Ministry and the state education department should consult with the state leadership first before issuing a directive for the programme.

Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah

Dubbing the move "unwise", Roland said although education is a federal matter, any issue concerning children should be consulted and deliberated holistically.

"Education is a federal matter but they should have consulted the Sarawak government before issuing the letter.

“The directive by the Education Ministry is an unwise move because it has legal implications. This is my personal view, not my ministry’s," he said.

According to him, feeding young minds with the Middle East crisis could cause far-reaching repercussions, especially on children’s mindset and social behaviour.

“I abhor all forms of atrocities in any form and on all humanity. But we must remember that almost all the school children under the Education Ministry are underage. So, the consent of their parents and guardians ought to be sought.

“These comments have nothing to do with race or religion. It is a legal and educational issue. We should help all those in need. Both Israel and Hamas should cease the war," he said, further expressing hope that children and parents, or guardians who choose not to participate in the solidarity programmes will not be reprimanded. - Mkini